Our Mission
Grace Presbyterian Church is called to cultivate a spiritually vibrant community of grace. We are a Christ-centered, intergenerational, open-minded community that participates fully in Christ's mission of grace.

Our Values

Spiritually Vibrant
We aim to foster a dynamic and lively spiritual environment. Being 'spiritually vibrant' means having an active, energetic faith life among the congregation, where the experience of grace – God's unmerited favor and love – is central. The community aspect highlights the church's focus on building strong, supportive relationships where grace is both received and extended.

Christ-centered 
The teachings and life of Jesus Christ are the foundation of the church's beliefs and practices. We strive to model our lives after the example of Christ. We believe Christ is the Word made flesh, and our hope is to embody Christ in our lives.

Intergenerational 
Our church values the participation and inclusion of all age groups, from children to the elderly. It seeks to create a space where different generations can learn from each other, worship together, and share in the life of the church. This approach helps in fostering a diverse community that respects and celebrates the wisdom and energy of all ages.

Open-minded
We are open. We are curious. We are a community with a wide range of viewpoints and ideas. Being 'open-minded' means we foster respectful and welcoming attitudes towards diverse opinions and beliefs. We are committed to dialogue and understanding rather than divisiveness. We are evangelical and progressive, conservative and liberal, republican and democratic, and everything in between and beyond.

Participate Fully in Christ's Mission of Grace
We extend grace to others. We are not only a recipient of Christ’s grace but also a conduit of that grace to the wider world. This participation involves outreach and service to the greater community, social witness initiatives, and acts of kindness and mercy, reflecting the inclusive and unconditional nature of Christ's love and grace.

Our History
Our Logo
Rooted in Tradition, Growing Toward the Future
Our logo, inspired by Celtic tradition and PC(USA) symbolism, merges ancient and modern aesthetics, embodying the universal and unique aspects of the Christian faith. The number 4 symbolizes the Word of God reaching out globally, emphasizing the Gospel’s mission. The Tree of Life, with four radiating leaves, signifies a community rooted in the Word and growing in new life, where fish and seeds are subtly embedded. The fish (Ichthus) embody our call to compassion, healing, and justice, while the seeds represent the spiritual practices of prayer, fasting, and generosity. At the center, a chalice symbolizes the Word and Sacraments, and a labyrinth reflects our spiritual journey. The Cross holds the logo in balance, affirming our faith in Jesus Christ, through whom all things are held together.
SHARED STRENGTH
Grace & Covenant DTC: Distinct Worship Communities

Strengthening Together While Growing Individually

Covenant DTC Presbyterian and Grace Presbyterian are both PCUSA churches with distinct missions, visions, and congregational identities. While they remain separate and independent churches, they have partnered through a shared staffing model. This innovative approach allows both churches to access a dedicated team of pastoral and support staff who work collaboratively to help each congregation achieve its individual goals. The shared staff brings their unique talents and resources to support each church in its ministry and mission, ensuring that both Covenant and Grace can thrive without sacrificing their autonomy. These churches are not satellite campuses, but rather two distinct communities working together through shared leadership.

LEARN ABOUT COVENANT DTC
What is "Shared Staffing?"
A new and innovative solution for smaller churches
Shared staffing helps smaller churches thrive. Too often, we find smaller community churches short-staffed, and the few staff who work in these churches get asked to do a lot of work outside their skill sets. 

 "Shared staffing" is a way for community churches to benefit from a larger staff team, to keep their home church their home, and to keep their staff from burning out. Covenant Presbyterian and Grace Presbyterian have partnered to integrate this plan and help both of their churches thrive into the future. 

How it Works

In 2023, our shared staffing plan replaced the traditional custom of hiring an interim pastor following the retirement of Covenant's long-serving pastor. Instead of creating a short-term contract with a single individual, Covenant Presbyterian chose to contract with a pastoral team for twenty-four months. This team includes Rev. Justin Spurlock, Rev. Dave Van Deren, and Rev. Dani Hillyer.
Justin Spurlock serves as Head of Staff and Moderator of Session for both congregations, while Rev. Dave Van Deren focuses on pastoral care and congregational connections. Rev. Dani Hillyer serves as the primary pastoral and preaching presence at Covenant.

Both churches remain independent congregations, but served by a common pastoral team (Justin, Dave, and Dani). Instead of relying on one pastor to handle a wide range of duties, this model allows each pastor to specialize in their strengths, collaborate with other leaders, and better serve the unique needs of both churches. Grace's administrative and programming staff members lend their assistance at Covenant.